The Ross Ladies A team wrapped up warm for a home match on Thursday 7th March, which started at 6pm. Yet again, an icy wind made conditions unpleasant for all concerned.

Playing first pair were Sarah Drake and Jane Pepperell, with memories of their fine performance five days ago still fresh in their minds, they took on the Bromsgrove first pair. The first set was level until 5 all, and then Sarah and Jane managed to squeeze a break of serve and held serve to secure it 7-5. This left the opposition feeling disappointed to the core, and they succumbed 6-0 in the second set.

On court two, Heather and Val sliced into the second pair, and took the set 6-1. Both couples pined for better weather, but it was not to be – the wind took all of the Bromsgrove lobs over the baseline, Val chopped the volleys away at the net while Heather stalked the baseline, taking the second set 6-2.

With pithy determination, the players carried on immediately to the second rubber. Heather tried some arty serves, and while Val choked on a few volleys, most of them were put away. However, the first pair had much to prove, and leaked very few unforced errors, despite Heather’s sweet forehands. They won both sets, with the Ross pair only able to scoop 4 games. Sarah and Jane did not leave much room for the opposition to get comfortable, and peppered them with hard struck shots which squashed the spirit of the ladies, who came off court as red as beetroots!

Following the game, a wonderful match tea was enjoyed by all, with Sarah’s vegetable home made soup and Jane’s pineapple surprise fruit salad thoroughly enjoyed by everybody too. This was the last Ross ladies A team match for the winter season, and a 3-1 victory should be enough to keep them in Division 2. A spokesperson for the club said: “Well done to all and to Captain Lynn O’Driscoll for organising all of the matches.”

If you would like to try tennis visit the website www.rosstenniscentre.org.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.